Categories: Wanderlust

15 Spring Break Destinations Outside The U.S. Worth Every Cent

Spring break is the perfect time to get away from the stress of school and work and just enjoy time relaxing with your friends. It’s even easier to do this outside of the U.S. New country, no worries. These spring break destinations may be more pricy than Daytona Beach, but when you’re traveling foreign cities with your friends, you’ll be glad you chose your destination.

1. Bahamas

The Bahamas have the best of everything you could want in a quality spring break. It has beautiful beaches to relax on, with bars that bring drinks to you at the beach. They have great night life with a good variety of bars and dance clubs. They also have some of the best hospitality, they very much welcome travelers and go above and beyond to make them feel welcome and at home. Unlike so many other places you may go where they look down on you for being a foreigner, here they welcome you with open arms and really are so kind. Most people here speak English, so it’s the perfect last minute place if you aren’t a huge planner and don’t have time to learn a new language. There are catamaran cruises (which are basically a booze cruise on a giant boat that you sit on netting), spas, markets, and endless possibilities for things to do. It’s also one of the more affordable places to go outside of the U.S. so it makes it a perfect spot for your next spring break destination.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal has become a huge travel destination in recent years, mostly due to its affordability but also due to its beauty. Portugal is home to some stunning views and quaint cities. Lisbon has been one of the top spring break destinations for its vibrant colors across the city. Yellow, pink and blue are more commonly found than grey and brick red. It’s even more beautiful in spring with all the flowers and tree so bright. This is instagram heaven. But onto of that the food and culture here make this an absolute must.

3. Cancun, Mexico

If you really like the spring break atmosphere of beaches and drinking, but want a bit more class and less frat boys, this is a great option. With it being so close you won’t have to take out a loan just to afford the plane ticket. Cancun has better beaches than that of Daytona and better places to stay, so if you’re looking for a place to really be able to go and relax Cancun is a better option for you than the beaches in the U.S. 

4. St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

If you’re willing to pay a bit more for your plane ticket but you don’t have a passport, this is a great option for you. With it being US territory you don’t need your passport to travel here. This has a great combination of city and beach. Although most people go here for the beaches, the view of the city is actually incredible and reminds you of Europe.The beaches host some of the most clear water and white sand. Go snorkeling here or parasailing, for a fun break from lying on the beach. You’ll love the variety of things to do here just save up some extra money if you are interested in excursions as those will be some of the most cost worthy parts of your trip.

5. Turks and Caicos

So, yes, this is another beautiful beach in the Caribbean like the others. What Turks and Caicos has to offer along with white sand a blue water will blow you away. Turks and Caicos is also a short plane ride from the continental U.S. Turks and Caicos is a British territory so you will need a passport to travel here, however the resorts here are so amazing you will never want to leave. This is perfect for those who really want to detach from school and stress. Book a stay in one of the resorts for a truly relaxing vacation, making it the ideal spring break destination.

6. Paris

Audrey Hepburn wasn’t wrong, Paris is in fact always a good idea. Paris may not seem like the place to go for spring break, but with it not being peak travel season, it may actually be your best time to go. Everyone waits until summer or winter break to go on trips so far from home but you’ll be able to save a lot more money going when it’s not busy. You’ll also be able to see more sights without masses of crowds in the background of your instagram pic with the Eiffel Tower. Paris doesn’t always have to be a romantic destination, get your girlfriends together and spend the week in coffee shops and shopping. End your night with a picnic and wine on the lawn near the Eiffel Tower.

7. Aruba

If you just really can’t decide which island of the Caribbean to go to, here’s another one to make your option even harder. Aruba like the others is stunning and tropical, and again a short plane ride from the continental U.S. Aruba is a bit more crowded than the others but during spring break time it won’t be compared to the hoards of people you see in the U.S. for spring break. This also has more nightlife than the others, so if you want to be more social and have more options for bars and restaurants this is a better option for you than the other islands. If you’re looking to have a good time verses relaxing this is the spring break destination for you.

8. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is technically outside of the U.S. but also technically part of the U.S. One side is in the United States, while the others is in Canada. Although both sides are very similar, if you’re looking to get away visit the Canadian side for a few days and then visit a few other destinations in Canada. As U.S. citizens we often take for granted the countries that surround us and immediately want to go to Europe when traveling outside of the country. Canada is a great option that you can even drive to, to save money, depending on where you live.  This is also pretty cheap and you can discuss how perfect Jim and Pam’s wedding was while you’re there.

9.  London

London is another option for people who want to see a city instead of a beach on their spring break. London is one of the most incredible cities in the world with so much to do. It’s also another great option for those who are last minute planning and can’t learn a language two weeks. You can drink beer in a pub, see the London eye and catch a show at the Globe. The people here are incredibly friendly and will help you navigate the tub system to get around. So many things are pithing walking distance and if they aren’t they a few stops away so you don’t have to worry about renting a car. Although the plane ticket will set you back there are several affordable places to stay, and countless free things to do here. Just make sure you pack warm clothes, as March and April there are very rainy and cold. 

10. Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is probably the most breathtaking place I have ever seen. It is without a doubt gorgeous and unlike anywhere else. This is an option for those who want a beach but love to travel and see unique places. The beaches will be crowded, even during the off seasons but it will be well worth it. Take a boat ride out along the coast to see the views, houses built into cliffs and crystal blue water. The restaurants here, like any Italian city have incredible food and wine. The streets are lined with tables outside of each restaurant and you’ll see old Italian men walking arm in arm with cigars in their mouth in full suits. It transforms you to a different time and is such a great place to sit and people watch. Most of the Italian people on the coast speak little English, so you’ll want to learn some Italian before going to help with communicating, but they are extremely hospitiable and kind. This is the perfect spring break destination for the person who wants some sun but also really wants to see the world.

See Also

11. Ireland

I feel like everyone I know has bee going to Ireland for spring break in the past few years. Ireland is another option for someone who really just wants to travel and isn’t as concerned about the beaches. Ireland has endless land with views you only see on screen savers. Like London, during this time it will be much colder but you can warm up with a beer at the Guinness museum. Or take a tour of Mordor if you love Lord of the Rings. With spring break being just a week, this is the perfect amount of time to travel through Ireland and not feel like you missed out on anything. 

12. Venice, Italy

Venice is unlike any other city in the world. Although there are many that are just as beautiful, this city that is completely build on water will blow you away. Instead of taking a taxi, here you take a water taxi. this is by far one of the most expensive places but a must see. Venice has several historical building that are worth a see, but the best part of Venice is just wandering down the streets and taking a gondola. My favorite thing I did in Venice was sit along the water with a spritz and people watch. I sat there for hours. It’s unlike restaurants in America where they rush you out after your meal, they welcome people sitting all day long and even give you snacks with every drink. There’s something so unique about the place that you can’t even put it into words. Although it’s a must see, there aren’t too many things to do other than see the major sites and shop. A week is the perfect amount of time to relax and recharge before heading back to the end of the semester.

13.  Greece

Pretty much everywhere in Greece is a great spring break destination but Santorini is top of the list. You can relax here with stunning waters and views. Greece has been top of my list for places to go and spring break is a perfect time to try it, with less people you’ll be able to book better hotel and airline prices. Go with a huge group of friends and rent a house instead of hotel rooms, to save money. Several places even offer their own pools with the houses so if you can snag one of those you and your friends can have the most personalized experience and not have to fight with strangers over lawn chairs.

14. Panama

What’s better than Panama City Beach? How about Panama itself. Panama offers a bit more variety than the other beach spring break destinations. Panama has casinos and tons of nightlife. It’s also unique to the beaches and more similar to U.S. beaches with the central city being so close to the water. The skyscrapers are right by the water. So if you’re someone looking for a mix of city viewing and beach laying Panama is a great option. Plus, it won’t have as crowded of beaches as Panama City does in Florida. 

15. Cruise

A cruise is a a perfect spring break destination because it’s so customizable. Cruises can last a few days or a few weeks and there are endless options for destinations. Cruises are great because you pay a flat rate for the experience, food, lodging, excursions you can pay for everything upfront so you won’t have to be budgeting the entire trip. Cruises are the best relaxation option but also offer endless possibilities. You will never be bored on that boat. Opt for some fun on land excursions when your ship is in port. You and your friends will have fun bunking up in these cabins. But with so much to do on the ship itself, you’ll hardly ever be in your room.

Which spring break destinations are on your list to go to? Comment below the ones you’ve already been to and your favorite part of the trip!

Featured Image Source:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/222083825361331240/
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Maria Hehman

MARIA HEHMAN IS A GRADUATE OF THOMAS MORE COLLEGE, WHERE SHE OBTAINED A BACHELOR'S OF ARTS IN ENGLISH, WITH AN EMPHASIS IN CREATIVE WRITING. SHE WORKS AS A MANAGER IN RETAIL AND DOES FREELANCE WRITING IN HER SPARE TIME. HER WRITING TOPIC WITH SOCIETY19 VARY, BUT FASHION IS HER GREATEST INTEREST. YOU CAN FIND HER MOST DAYS DRINKING ENTIRELY TOO MUCH COFFEE WHILE WATCHING HER FAVORITE SHOW, FRIENDS.

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